The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been in talks over a potential merger for more than a year and while progress is being made, there are still a number of key issues to be ironed out
The merger discussions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s backer, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), are still ongoing, with two major issues needing resolution before an agreement can be reached.
The rival tours have been in talks about a merger for over a year, leading to a temporary halt in golf’s internal conflict. The proposed deal would involve PIF investing in PGA Tour Enterprises, paving the way for the sport’s reunification at the top level and allowing the world’s best players to compete together more frequently.
Despite the slow progress in the discussions, recent meetings have produced some positive signals, reigniting hopes that a deal could be struck soon. However, according to Golf Digest, there are still two significant obstacles in the negotiations.
The role of the United States Department of Justice is a major factor in the talks due to the need to adhere to antitrust laws, which prohibit organisations from stifling competition and monopolising their market. Therefore, the future of LIV Golf is a crucial element in agreeing on a deal that can be approved by lawmakers.
Even though the breakaway circuit caused significant issues for the PGA Tour when it was launched in 2022, it will likely need to continue in some form after a deal is agreed to comply with antitrust regulations. The future of LIV remains uncertain, with suggestions that its calendar could be condensed to the autumn to avoid clashes with top PGA Tour events. However, reports suggest that the Saudi-funded tour is more likely to keep its year-round schedule.
There’s also significant debate about how LIV players will return to PGA Tour events. The tour has proposed financial penalties for players like Jon Rahm, who joined LIV in a $500 million deal last December, but this is legally complex and likely to be rejected by members of the breakaway tour.
Jon Rahm’s future is up in the air as merger talks rumble on ( Image: Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Players such as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson are still well-liked in PGA Tour circles for their handling of the move to LIV. Others, including Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and Talor Gooch, were less diplomatic, filing a lawsuit against the PGA Tour after joining LIV.
This legal action has upset many PGA Tour members, even those who weren’t bothered by the players’ decision to join LIV. The idea of suing the tour – which had made them very wealthy – has left a bitter taste for many. According to the report, many figures within the PGA Tour would be happy if six-time major champion Mickelson never played on the tour again after his key role in establishing LIV in 2022.
However, any punitive measures against LIV players such as limiting prize money and blocking access to the tour’s equity scheme could potentially lead to more legal complications. While it’s reported that talks are moving in a positive direction, there’s still a significant journey ahead before this saga concludes.
